Overview of 2011 High Water Levels
The 2011 high water levels of the Mississippi River posed significant challenges to the Memphis and Shelby County areas, as overtopping of levees could have caused major flooding and damage to the community. The Mississippi River crested at 47.8 feet on May 10, 2011 at Memphis — the highest since 1937, when it crested at 48.7 feet, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This high water level was significantly higher than the 37-foot flood stage for Memphis, as well as the 45-foot major flood stage.
The intense high water levels that inundated Memphis and the surrounding areas were attributed to an extended period of heavy rainfall that caused excessive runoff in the River’s tributaries and rivers. According to the National Weather Service, Memphis received 8.63 inches of precipitation in April 2011, including three inches of rain on the day prior to the crest. The rainfall totals were substantial, as the average rainfall for April in Memphis is only 4.17 inches.
Flood Protection Measures in Place
In response to the potential flooding, several proactive measures were taken to prepare for the potential damage that could have been caused by the high water levels. Levees had been built before the event to protect Memphis from significant flooding. In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers deployed pumps to increase the speed of water discharge, and the Memphis area was placed under a flash flood warning.
The rains did not cease and on May 4, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that it would begin controlled releases of water through the levees in order to protect them from failing. This was a historic decision for the city, as its levees had not been tested on this level since the Great Flood of 1937. It was clear that a significant amount of water was being held back, and the River was expected to reach levels never before seen.
Impact on Community
The high water levels of the Mississippi River in Memphis had a significant impact on the community. People living near the River were ordered to evacuate their homes, as they were at risk of flooding if the levees were to fail. In addition, areas such as Tom Lee Park and Mud Island were both closed due to the high water levels. The parks were assessed to determine any potential flood damage, as water actively lapped up against at least seven of the city parks.
The USACE declared the event a 1-in-500-year flood and warned of the potential for significant flooding if the levees were to fail. The Army Corps of Engineers issued an Emergency Declaration and requested help from the federal government to supplement their efforts. This request was fulfilled, and various protective levee operations were conducted in order to ensure the integrity of the levees.
Long Term Effects
The high water levels of 2011 had significant effects on the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas for years to come. Leaders in the area, such as Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, have pointed to this event as the catalyst in the discussion of increasing future flood protection within the city.
The levees and other infrastructure that protect the area have been improved in the years since 2011, and the Army Corps of Engineers has continued to monitor and review the city’s flood protection system on an ongoing basis. The floods of 2011 marked an important turning point in the discussion of flood protection for the community and the surrounding areas, and this event will remain in the memory of Memphis for years to come.
Economic Impact
The high water levels in Memphis also had a major economic impact on the community. Many businesses in the area were affected by the prolonged flooding, and in some cases, they had to shut down operations. The flooding also caused massive damage to infrastructure and public facilities, leading to very costly repairs, while affected residents had to deal with property damage and the associated costs.
The flooding also caused major crop losses, as many farmers in the area had to sacrifice their crops and animals due to the flooding. All of these consequences had a far reaching impact on the economic activity of the area, and it took years for the community to fully recover.
Conclusion
The high water levels of the Mississippi River in 2011 drastically affected the Memphis and Shelby County areas. The Army Corps of Engineers had to take drastic measures – such as controlled releases and pumps – to prevent levees from failing, and the community was deeply divided about how to best protect the area from flooding. In the aftermath of the event, federal and state governments were able to come together to improve the emergency services of the area, and the community has implemented various measures to increase its future protection against floods.
